HC Deb 04 June 2003 vol 406 cc433-4W
Mr. Redwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on surrendering vetos over policy areas in the proposed European constitution. [116159]

Mr. MacShane

More Qualified Majority Voting (QMV) is essential to push through our solutions to Europe-wide problems in key areas, such as immigration and asylum and to promote the completion of the single market.

Mr. Redwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the main unresolved issues are in the Convention on the Future of Europe. [116162]

Mr. MacShane

The Convention on the Future of Europe is due to present its conclusions to the European Council on 20 June. The Government will continue to work within the Convention to achieve the best deal for the UK. Final decisions will be taken only by Heads of State and Government by unanimity at the Inter-Governmental Conference.

All aspects of the draft constitutional treaty continue to be debated in the Convention.

Mr. Redwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs who would settle a dispute over powers between the EU and the United Kingdom under the proposed draft constitution. [116164]

Mr. MacShane

Article 230 of the Treaty establishing the European Community provides that the European Court of Justice shall review the legality of acts of the institutions. For this purpose, it has jurisdiction, inter alia, in actions brought by the member states on grounds of lack of competence. The draft constitutional treaty maintains a similar provision.

Mr. Redwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the current draft of the EU constitution will require amendment to the European Communities Act 1972 if it is accepted by member states. [116169]

Mr. MacShane

As has been the case with previous treaties amending the original treaty structure, any amending treaty or new constitutional treaty agreed upon by the member states in the next Intergovernmental Conference would have to be laid before Parliament, and any necessary amendments to the European Communities Act 1972 passed by Parliament, before it could be ratified.